North Trail - Finally? - Fall 2017

A pair of new residential projects to be built along North Tamiami Trail have recently been announced. The Strand, a 160-unit condominium development on Whitaker Bayou with a planned Starbucks on the ground floor, will be developed on the west side of U.S. 41 at 17th Street.  A second project, a 21-unit building on the east side of U.S. 41 between 14th and 15th Streets, also will contain a mix of residential and retail. Additionally, transportation officials are actively planning to construct a traffic roundabout along the Trail at 14th Street, which will enhance traffic/pedestrian circulation and give the area a fresh, new look. Just as significantly for the overall health of the area, The Reserve at 14th Street and U.S. 41 has opened and is drawing new people to the area, especially in the evenings. The combination book store, coffee shop and craft beer pub/wine bar also offers entertainment, a much-needed venue for the North Trail. Taken together, it is encouraging after years of economic floundering and only spotty development to see new life and money being invested in an area that possesses civic and cultural gems like the Ringling College of Art + Design.